It is good to see Pink Daughter smiling again and recovered. I hope the weather is gentler and that Santa will make it to Pretty Far West. One year in Aughnish, Santa came at "Little Christmas aka the Ephphany" Jan 6, as the waves washed out the causeway to the Island on Christmas Eve. Do you light twelve candles on Jan 6?

Hello Mise:How accurately you describe our time in these days leading up to Christmas, dear Mise. Even as we write this, we are surrounded with piles of homemade paper chains, glitter everywhere, hand drawn cards to be drawn, puddings steaming [or whatever they do], mincemeat mincing, cakes to be iced, stockings to be filled, trees to be dressed [well, first purchased] and all manner of other festive activities. No Scrooge here!!

But, whatever, the anticipated joy and excitement of Christmas to be had by small children everywhere is absolute magic and something to be well and truly treasured.

Her excitement just leaps off the the page! (er, the computer screen.) When they grow up you can have your pot of hyacinths, but for now I have a feeling you will find a happy balance of calm and festive.

Oh I dread it all!...I am trying hard not to this year...it's only kind of working. No mince pies here, the tree's not long up, it'll be soon down! I brought the little ones to see Santa the other day...they hugged him...traitors!..I thought they'd at least cry! They're converts apparently...You little one is dotey!

I'm not doing anything like that, and is it bad to admit that I paid my neighbours teenage son to bake my mince pies (because they really do look as though I might have made them myself!) But I do love my visits to your vision of blogtopia Mise. They never fail to make me smile. Have a lovely lovely Christmas. Amanda xx

Our mince pies come from a box (what is suet?)Our Christmas cake came from a friend.The presents came from Santa and the internet.The wine has a screw top, and is not mulled.I am a disgrace to blogging.

Luckily I have you good friends to guide me and show me the way, even if I fail/ don't even try to get there.

Pink daughter looks ready to fly, hop, and sing, she looks so excited...what a fantastic smile!I have a clovebud sized bit of suspicion that nestled in a comfy corner of that bright, clever, and pink heart of yours, a little bit of Christmas cheer resides, and is secretly baking red & green sprinked sourdough loaves of bread and adding silver dragee's to her homemade yogurt! Two pumkin's and an apple pie here, btw.

Merry Christmas Blessings Mise...to you, and every single one of yours!!! Thank you for a lovely & delghtful year of pink tinged wit!xo J~

Here I am enjoying the laziest day of the year amidst the detritus of a pretty awesome Chrissie Day. MOTH received a new drill & wheelbarrow from Santa, if that isn't a hint to get cracking with the renos, I give up. A big hug to you for all the pleasure PFW has given me this past year. You are one of a kind dear Mise, may that never change!Millie xx

This is about the tenth time I've tried to post this....keep on being interrupted by those pesky Christmas elves, claiming to be my children. I was so sure that you would have some spiced mulled wine in one hand while stirring your brandy sauce on top of your Aga with the other. Next thing you know you'll tell us that you haven't given away homemade gifts in recycled Bonne Maman jars! What a blessed relief.... If it's okay with you, I'll join you on the sofa...you make the martini's, I'll bring the Lindt balls and some bought mince pies. Meredy xo

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year, Mise, and that you got a new pot of new hyacinths (and a cushion cover), that pink and blue daughters got just the thing that made them smile with delight, and that your hubby got a good mince pie with suet and some tasteful accessory for his motorbike (not sure what that can be, a crocheted seat cover?)